This is the place to get adventure-ready for 2022
Want to hit the road in a brand-new camper van, kit yourself out with some couples-friendly camping gear, or buy a brilliant family tent? The annual Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show is the place to be!
MORE PEOPLE than ever are discovering the joys of the outdoor life. As other kinds of experiences have been off-limits in recent times, the appeal of outdoor-flavoured ‘staycationing’, campervanning and general adventuring has rocketed, as many of us seek relaxation, thrill and escape in nature.
So if you’re looking to take an outdoor, adventure-packed holiday or two next year, the best place to start is the NEC in Birmingham. From Feb 22-27, the NEC will host the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2022 – and it’s the ultimate spot to get adventure-ready.
This is an unmissable annual event for people looking to hit the road to get outdoors, as it is the UK’s largest showcase of leisure vehicles, with all the biggest and best brands from these shores and Europe in one place at one time. There will be a staggering array of tents, trailer tents, and general camping kit and accessories on display too.
From compact and funky towable camping pods to luxurious high-end campervans; from couple-friendly adventure tents to foldable family-friendly tents equipped with every convenience; the show has everything you need to enhance your next outdoor adventure. As well as the chance to look at the kit, you can also get a feel for what it’s like to drive a camper through vehicle taster sessions, or take a break with a fun activity like stand-up paddleboarding or indoor climbing.
Here’s just a snapshot of a few of the fantastic campers, products and brands that will be on display...
MOBILE LUXURY: THE CAMPERVAN BEASTS
A campervan is one of the best ways to spend more time outdoors, giving you the freedom to be closer to nature whilst staying in comfort. So whether you’re hiking or cycling, a trusty camper is a must – and it doesn’t get better than the new Knaus Tribal or Auto-Trail’s Expedition 68.
First up, the Knaus Tribal. Premium Motorhomes is the UK’s leading brand for luxury motorhomes, and it will be showcasing this limited-edition camper at the show. The Tribal is the ultimate offroad motorhome and it has been specced up in almost every way imaginable: Delta bull bar, all-terrain tyres, underbody plating, solar panel, Bentley double-stitch leather, Wi-Fi and external gas barbecue to name but a few.
Another impressive option on show at the event is AutoTrail’s first foray into the world of dedicated sports campers: the Expedition 68 – the first campervan Auto-Trail has created specifically for cyclists to travel and transport their bikes, equipment and themselves. The enhanced 140bhp engine under the bonnet has a very positive effect on the performance, particularly when you’re loaded up with equipment. The camper also comes equipped with four travelling seats and a rear transverse bed, which can be lifted to access a large storage area – perfect for bikes and other outdoor adventure equipment.
THE CAMPERVAN: BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT…
You wouldn’t traditionally associate caravans with rugged mountain adventures, but that’s all about to change thanks to the
revolutionary teardrop-shaped Mink 2.0. This unique and eyecatching sports camper is incredibly stable, with a low centre of gravity that makes for easy towing – so it’s great for those new to the world of caravanning. It comes with a panoramic sunroof and open-air kitchen, complete with cooker, utensils, food storage and a 36-litre ice chest. It also features an integrated heating system, making it ideal for extended wild trips.
Showcased by Broadlane Leisure, the all-terrain Mink 2.0 sports camper is stylish yet rugged and ready for anything an adventure can throw its way.
CANVAS COSINESS: GREAT TENTS FOR COUPLES, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
ECO-FRIENDLY TENTS FROM VANGO
For 2022, Scottish camping giant Vango will be unveiling its latest eco-friendly tent manufacturing technologies.
The brand’s Earth Collection brings together a range of tents, sleeping bags, packs and furniture, all of which have been crafted using 100% recycled single-use plastics, whilst the new Adventure CLR collection utilises offcut and surplus fabrics, as well as 70D polyester made from single-use plastics. This collection has been designed to protect you from the elements whilst ensuring you’re doing your bit to protect the great outdoors.
BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED TENTS FROM SNOW PEAK
Snow Peak may be a new name for many British readers, but to say these guys are big in Japan would be an understatement. Founded by Japanese mountaineer Yukio Yamai, Snow Peak has blossomed into one of the most distinctive outdoor brands in the world.
Snow Peak will be bringing a huge range of its beautifully designed products to a UK show for the first time. These products, including the Amenity Dome, which you can see up close during the show, are some of the most hardy and durable available today.
KAMPA TENTS FOR KEEN CAMPERS AND FAMILIES
Kampa’s wide range of awnings, camping tents and accessories have been designed with keen campers and their families in mind. With a portfolio of high-quality outdoor products, Kampa products help extend outdoor living space and allow to you relax in total comfort.
If you’re heading out on a solo or couples expedition, for example, the Kampa Brighton 2 is a compact tent packed full of features including adjustable pegging points, tough Dynaflex fibreglass poles and weather-protected rear ventilation to provide comfort whilst exploring the outdoors. It also comes in a small packed size so it’s easy to carry.
SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: THE FOLDING CAMPERVAN
If you’re after something to make your outdoor time completely extraordinary, then maybe an inflatable folding camper is the one for you! The inflatable OPUS folding camper offers the perfect balance between the luxuries of a home and the freedom of the outdoors. The multi-award-winning design can sleep up to ten campers, so it’s an ideal option for big group trips with family or friends. It has over 2.4 metres of headroom and panoramic windows, and it all folds down into a compact lightweight trailer.